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Nashville Predators Top-5 Trade Block Board as team plummets into abyss

I think the fantasies of the Nashville Predators making a miraculous run and saving their season are finally dead. This team is cooked.
ByChad Minton|
Feb 3, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) clears the puck against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Feb 3, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) clears the puck against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
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Nashville Predators, Ryan O'Reilly
Jan 25, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Nashville Predators center Ryan O'Reilly (90) is congratulated by center Gustav Nyquist (14) after scoring a goal in the second period against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

3. Ryan O'Reilly, Center, 2 Years Left at $4.5M AAV

Proposed trade return: NHL starter, 1st or 2nd-Rd Draft Pick

I'm getting a lot of pushback on trading Ryan O'Reilly, and I totally understand why. Let me be clear that I don't want to trade O'Reilly because I think he's the problem or that he's a bad player. Quite the opposite, actually.

The Predators should be open about trading O'Reilly because he's their best realistic trade chip by far, and O'Reilly is about to be 34-years-old. His best days are behind him, but even at his age he's very valuable to a playoff team right now.

The Predators, with or without O'Reilly, aren't going to be a playoff team for at least a few years. Sure, maybe they return as a bubble team next year if they make the right moves, but they're certainly not going to be anywhere near the conversation of a Stanley Cup contender.

So what's the point in keeping O'Reilly around any longer? To be a mentor for the young players? I get that sentiment, but that's not enough for me to turn down lucrative offers if they present themselves in the coming weeks.

Ultimately I don't believe Trotz will pull the trigger on trading O'Reilly. He covets the veteran too much as a captain-like player behind Josi. Unless a team just wants to massively overpay, O'Reilly is probably going to stick around. It doesn't mean I would ignore the phone calls. If a strong offer comes along, I say you take it.

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